The Stress of Traveling

I am not talking about traveling on the basketball court, but traveling by air, boat, bike, bus, buggy, car, hang gliding, horse back, hot air ballon, motorcycle, train etc.. Going from point A to point B. However you travel I am sure there will be some stress involved. Summer started and so has my “busy” season. Once again I will be traveling the country speaking at camps, clinics, corporate talks and workouts. Traveling seems to be worse than ever. Flights are rarely on time, traffic is a mess and there seems to be more and more accidents on the road. I think it is due to cell phones, drivers texting or reading emails. Please do not use your cell phones while driving, that call, text or email can wait. Before I start off on any trip I pray to the Good Lord and ask him to look after me and get me to my destination safely and on time. When I get to my destination I thank him for looking after me. The stress can be overwhelming when traveling and you have no control over any of the circumstances. I always arrive early for my delayed flights, but at least I can do work on my computer or catch up on my phone calls, texts, etc.. Traveling is the toughest part of my job, shooting is easy. Once I arrive to camp I let out a huge sigh and it feels like the world has been lifted off of my shoulders. Then it is time to give my lecture and shooting demonstration to the campers if I am lucky enough and have time I can get a shower before getting on the road again. Anyone who knows me knows that I hate to be late for anything. My motto is “If you can’t be on time, be early.” I only wish my wife would buy into this saying. Today the madness begins as I have to fly all over the place in the next few days. Coming back from China was bad (21 hours late), glad I didn’t have to speak at any camps for a few days. It’s a little different now heading to Billy Donovan’s camp to speak this evening then flying out first thing in the morning back to Newark with a connection in Charlotte. Hit the ground running and I am off to Weston, CT to speak at Mike Evans’ basketball camp. Quick shower and back to Newark for a flight to San Diego where I will speak at the JR Phenom Camp for Joe Keller. Twenty three years of this and every year it seems to get a little tougher, maybe I’m just getting older and losing patience. Although I think I have become more patient over the years, at least I have been told that. Pray for all of those who travel and always tell your loved ones that you love them and how much they mean to you. Have a Blessed Day.